The Causes of Brexit and Its Consequences on the English Language in the Eu

Augustin Zonjić, Ivona Šetka-Čilić

Abstract

The paper discusses the causes and consequences of exit of the UK from the European Union, popularly called “Brexit” and whether that would change the position of English as the dominant language of the EU. Authors are also discussing whether the beginning of Brexit can be traced back further in the past, with a possible reality after 2016, when David Cameron, the Prime Minister of that time, being certain that it would not happen, agreed to hold a referendum on that question. However, the Prime Minister, the European Union and the entire world were taken by surprise when the majority of voting citizens opted for exit from the EU. The reasons for that are discussed in the paper. It is especially interesting whether, if it actually happens, the position of English will change, since it has been the “strongest” official language of the EU.

Keywords

Brexit; English language; European Union; official language; future of the EU

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